Conor McGregor making a first-time sacrifice before his return to UFC

Conor McGregor’s Unique Approach Before UFC Return

The well-known fighter is gearing up for a return to the Octagon, specifically UFC 329, where he’ll face Max Holloway. In a surprising twist, McGregor mentioned he’ll compete without having sex for the first time in his career.

“I’ve been practicing withdrawals this camp as well,” McGregor stated on Wednesday. He added that this marks the first time he has experienced any physical contact during this training period.

McGregor has built a rapport with Knicks owner James Dolan, who humorously suggested his team abstain from sex to gain an advantage as they headed into the NBA Finals. Ultimately, the Knicks triumphed over the Spurs in five games.

“You don’t have to give up sex for 10 weeks. But like the Spartans, you know what Spartans are? They denied themselves to gain an edge. Let’s get an edge,” Dolan advised his team before the playoffs.

Married to his long-term girlfriend Dee Devlin in Italy last December, McGregor expressed a strong eagerness for the upcoming fight, describing a “fire roaring in my belly” as he prepares to be “released” on Saturday night.

This matchup signifies McGregor’s return to the UFC after a lengthy hiatus since July 2021, when he suffered a broken foot that required emergency surgery. This injury led to a protracted rehabilitation that attracted some criticism.

Recent reports have suggested that McGregor may have used banned substances in an effort to get back into fighting shape. Dr. Neil Elattrache, chief physician for the NFL, has also been mentioned in relation to McGregor’s recovery.

The fighter’s manager, Audi Attar, painted a serious picture regarding McGregor’s health, noting the risk that he may “never be able to walk again” and could face lasting mobility issues, casting doubt on his Octagon comeback.

In addition to his physical challenges, McGregor has faced several legal issues, including multiple sexual assault allegations, and notably lost a civil case in December 2018 related to accusations made by an Irish woman named Nikita Hand.